Real estate debt represents a compelling but untapped opportunity for women to grow and preserve capital, according to ASK Partners head of Private Client Belinda Inocco
Women now make up around 46% of Britain’s millionaires, a figure that is growing by 11% annually, according to a Reuters report. With 25 female billionaires and more women advancing into senior positions, their financial influence is expanding.
Consequently, women are taking on an increasingly significant role in financial decision-making, Inocco says. Yet despite this rise in wealth and influence, many women remain underrepresented in certain types of investments, particularly real estate debt.
“Investing in real estate debt offers distinct advantages, including potentially more efficient returns compared to stocks or shares, without the burdens of property management,” says Inocco.
Real estate debt allows investors to lend money secured against properties, providing a steady income from interest payments, often with less risk than direct property ownership.
However, despite its benefits, women remain underrepresented in this market, Inocco points out. Less than a third of real estate investors are women, according to data from Zippia, though they make up 39% of global employment in the sector, according to McKinsey & Co.
One of the key advantages of real estate debt investments is the flexibility they offer, which can appeal to women balancing careers, family, and personal ambitions, Inocco argues. “The ASK model gives investors control over their investment choices, allowing them to align with their risk appetite, financial goals, and time availability,” she says. And investors can diversify across asset classes and geographies, helping to spread risk while maintaining flexibility in their portfolio.
Managing portfolios through a private client portal, also reduces the time commitment associated with traditional property ownership, such as managing tenants or dealing with taxes.
Research shows that women are generally more risk-averse in their investment strategies, says Inocco, and this caution can sometimes mean missed opportunities, particularly in higher-return investments.
She emphasises that real estate debt is an ideal solution for risk-conscious investors. Tailored investment strategies can allow women to participate in a familiar market without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord. This approach helps balance risk and reward in a way that fits individual comfort levels.
For many women, investing isn’t just about making money — it’s about achieving financial independence and building a legacy, Inocco points out. “For me, investing in real estate debt isn’t just about returns. It’s about financial autonomy. Real estate debt provides stable and predictable cash flows, and with real estate typically having a lower correlation with other asset classes, it can act as a hedge during economic downturns.”
In addition, she says, real estate debt investment eliminates barriers such as dealing with tenants and the complexities of the current tax regime, offering a more efficient way to benefit from property investments without the associated hassles.
“The real estate debt market is relatively unknown, often assumed to be reserved for institutional investors,” notes Inocco. “But it offers a unique blend of control, flexibility, and efficiency that resonates with individual investors.” As more women gain financial independence, she expects their presence in this market to grow, “aligning their investments with personal values and long-term goals.”
Main image: cowomen-cKQkMFzXHAI-unsplash
